For those who have not spent their winter touring, this time of year marks the beginning of a new caravan season. Our helpful guide will help you prepare for the season ahead and show you all the checks you need to make.
Why book a service for your touring caravan
Regular, annual servicing is vital for touring caravans, as a professional mechanic can inspect areas of the caravan that may need attention after a period of storage, such as electrical systems. At this time of year, caravan service centres will become booked up early as caravanners prepare to go out on the road again, so book your touring caravan in early to avoid disappointment. Remember also to book a gas registered engineer to service your gas appliances; our blog will tell you how to find one in your area.
Once your service has been carried out, it’s time to give your caravan a thorough spring clean, both inside and out. Our Caravan spring cleaning essentials blog article has everything you need to do this.
With the caravan clean and serviced there are just a few more things to do before heading out on your first trip.
How to test water tanks
Your water tanks will have been drained before winter storage of the caravan so the entire water system will need to be tested. Reconnect the pipes and fill the tank by running water through it, checking for leaks as you go. If you discover any damaged pipework or if the tank shows signs of a leak, replace them and then repeat the process. Once you are satisfied that the system has no leaks, sterilise the tank as overwintering will leave a nasty smell and taint the water. This can be done by filling the tank with a sterilising solution and leaving it to stand for several hours according to manufacturers’ instructions. Drain the sterilising solution away, flush the tank through with clean water and replace the filter.
How to reconnect the battery
Your battery will have been disconnected over the dormant months so will need to be reconnected ahead of the new season. Clean all caravan leads and battery terminals with a contact cleaner before reconnection according to manufacturers’ guidelines. To check the battery has been reconnected correctly and is in full working order, test it by switching on the water pump and any interior lights. We recommend maintaining a full charge in your battery throughout inactive periods but if this has not been done, a few days on charge will be sufficient.
Check security equipment
Before your first trip of the season, ensure that all batteries in security alarms, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in full working order, replacing any that are flat immediately. Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and that any fire extinguishers in the caravan are in date. Finally, check wheel clamps and hitch locks have not deteriorated over the winter and test that you can still fit them and remove them without difficulty.
What paperwork do I need?
Taking time out for some simple admin tasks ahead of the new season will save inconvenience later. Keep a note of renewal dates for caravan insurance, vehicle breakdown cover, travel insurance and any subscriptions you have, for example, for tracking devices, as well as the tax and MOT for your towing vehicle. Also, make sure if you are touring abroad that your passport has plenty of time left on it.
With your touring caravan serviced and refreshed after its winter hibernation, it’s time to hit the road - enjoy!
